Premiership Rugby has announced that it is suspending its season for five weeks, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Premiership Rugby were forced to postpone Sunday's cup final between Sale and Harlequins after a member of Quins’ staff reported ‘flu-like’ symptoms.
Now, following the latest government advice, the decision has been made to close the season across the board for the next five weeks.
A statement to fans declared: "We are sorry to tell our fans that we will be postponing our season for five weeks, in line with today’s advice of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which confirmed that the Government would no longer support mass gatherings.
"The safety of our fans, players and staff is our first priority, and we would like to wish all of those who are affected our heartfelt best wishes and a very speedy recovery.
"We’ll continue to work closely with DCMS and Public Health England, and to follow the advice of medical experts, and work with our clubs to help them to support their own wider communities at this time.
"We are working together with our broadcast partner BT Sport to create exclusive rugby content in the coming weeks. More news on that to follow.
"If you are worried about Coronavirus, please seek the latest official guidance from the NHS website.
"Keep safe everyone, Premiership Rugby."
European Cup organisers postponed next month’s quarter-finals in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
The Rugby Football Union then confirmed it was putting a stop to all rugby activity in England, at both professional and community level, including club training, league and cup matches plus rugby education courses, until April 14.
Players’ Union boss Damian Hopley backed the action “to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all our members, club employees and rugby fans across the country”.
English rugby chiefs have elected to stick to government advice throughout.
But before today's announcement were coming up against greater reticence from leading clubs, who had been pushing to follow their football counterparts.
